Label dispenser with selectable dispense modes including an on-demand mode

A label dispenser in the form of a hand held labeler (30) is shown that is selectively operable in a number of dispense modes. The dispense modes include an on-demand mode in which labels (L') are automatically printed and dispensed as previously printed labels are removed from the labeler. In a manual mode, the labeler is responsive to the manual actuation of a trigger switch (195) to print and dispense a label. The labeler is also responsive to an on line trigger command received from a host device to print and dispense a label. Further, a strip mode allows strips of labels to be automatically printed on demand or in response to the actuation of the trigger switch. An on-demand sensor (60) is employed to detect the presence or absence of a label dispensed from the labeler in the on-demand modes. Further, the quantity of labels or strips of labels automatically dispensed in the on-demand modes may be limited to a specified quantity.